Accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating when smaller vehicles are involved. A typical car on the highway is no match for the weight and size of a commercial vehicle and collisions can result in serious injury and death.
It is well understood that fatigued driving can substantially increase the risk of an accident and truck drivers are not immune. Although truck drivers are limited to a certain number of hours of driving after defined periods of rest, many still experience fatigue especially at the end of a long shift.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
All motorists can relate to the difficulty of driving without adequate sleep. Even driving for too long without a break can increase the risk of fatigue. Certainly illness can result in increased fatigue as can use of perception medications or alcohol.
A poor night’s sleep can leave truck drivers fatigued before heading out on a long days drive and of course drivers may not always feel well and may need to take medication that can cause drowsiness. Because truckers are often are paid by the mile and have deadlines to meet, the pressure is on if they feel tired.
Truck Driver Fatigue and Driving Performance
Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue can and does result in accidents. Drowsy drivers have diminished ability to pay attention and suffer a decrease in their reflexes. An inability to attend to potential hazards on the road or react effectively can result in serious accidents.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident With a Truck Driver
Report the Accident – If you are injured in an accident with a truck driver it is important to report the accident immediately to provide support and record the accident. First responders will take down information including the truck driver’s employer, license, and insurance and interview the driver to determine the possible cause of the accident.
Seek Medical Care for Injuries – Those seriously injured will be removed from the scene to receive immediate medical care following an accident. However, sometimes, injuries may be less obvious or symptoms of injury develop over time, so it is important to seek urgent or emergency medical care after the accident. The medical care provider will record of when the accident occurred and injuries sustained, making recommendations regarding follow up treatment which should be followed to the letter. Valuable documentation when seeking compensation for injuries.
Notify Car and Health Insurance Companies – Following an accident, notifying the auto insurance company is necessary to start a claim. Certainly, it is advisable to consult with an attorney before engaging in communication with an insurance company, who often have their own interest at heart when paying claims. An injured may have to provide details to their health insurer in order to receive coverage for certain medical procedures. An experienced attorney can advise you on how to manage care and insurance following an accident.
Contact an Experienced Truck Attorney
If you suffer serious injuries in an accident involving a commercial truck, it is important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can investigate and find evidence of negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company or third party in order to pursue compensation. Contact the Quad Cities truck accident lawyers of McDonald & Woodward for assistance 563-355-6478.